What celebrities are on the carnivore diet? A deep dive into their experiences and the science

October 8, 2025 •

5 min read

While most dietitians preach a balanced approach, a small but vocal group of celebrities has embraced the highly restrictive carnivore diet. This article explores what celebrities are on the carnivore diet, and the varied—and often controversial—reasons they have adopted this unique eating plan, from managing autoimmune issues to achieving weight loss.

Quick Summary

A number of public figures, including podcaster Joe Rogan, psychologist Jordan Peterson, and reality star Heidi Montag, have publicly tried the carnivore diet for various health goals. Their experiences highlight anecdotal benefits but also reveal significant drawbacks and medical concerns associated with the all-meat eating plan.

Key Points

Joe Rogan: Experimented with the carnivore diet multiple times for weight loss and improved energy, but also reported significant digestive issues during the initial adjustment phase.
Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson: This father-daughter duo famously adopted the diet to address severe autoimmune problems and mental health issues, with Mikhaila influencing Jordan's dietary change.
Heidi Montag: Explored a raw meat version of the carnivore diet for health and fertility purposes, noting increased energy and well-being.
Reported Motivations: Celebrities often claim to pursue the carnivore diet for weight loss, relief from autoimmune symptoms, and improved mental clarity, based largely on personal, anecdotal experiences.
Expert Concerns: Medical and nutrition experts raise significant concerns about the diet's lack of fiber, high saturated fat, potential for nutrient deficiencies, and long-term organ stress.
Controversial Efficacy: The carnivore diet's efficacy is a subject of intense debate, with anecdotal success stories clashing with scientific evidence that highlights its potential health risks.

The carnivore diet is an eating plan that consists exclusively of animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy, while completely eliminating all plant-based foods. This highly restrictive regimen has gained significant attention, in part due to its adoption by a number of high-profile individuals. Their personal anecdotes have fueled public interest, inspiring followers and attracting both fascination and scrutiny from the medical community.

High-Profile Celebrity Adherents

Several well-known personalities have publicly documented their experience with the carnivore diet, each with their own unique motivations and outcomes. From influential podcasters to reality TV stars, their stories have brought this niche diet into the mainstream conversation.

The Peterson Family: Jordan and Mikhaila

Perhaps the most vocal advocates for the carnivore diet are the Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson.

Mikhaila Peterson: Faced with a lifetime of chronic illnesses, including severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and depression, Mikhaila found that a strict diet of beef, salt, and water, sometimes called the 'lion diet,' alleviated her debilitating symptoms. Her success story became a cornerstone of the diet's appeal.
Jordan Peterson: Inspired by his daughter's dramatic health improvements, Jordan Peterson adopted a similar carnivore diet to combat his own severe depression and autoimmune issues. He has publicly credited the diet with improving his physical and mental health, though his methods have been widely criticized by the medical establishment.

Joe Rogan's 30-Day Challenges

As the host of one of the world's most popular podcasts, Joe Rogan has a massive platform and has used it to share his dietary experiments.

Rogan has cycled on and off the carnivore diet, often undertaking a 30-day challenge.
His motivations included weight loss and addressing his autoimmune condition, vitiligo.
He famously reported losing 12 pounds and experiencing increased energy and symptom improvements.
However, he also openly shared the rough initial transition phase, including a bout of intense diarrhea, before his body adjusted.

Heidi Montag's Controversial Experiment

Reality TV star Heidi Montag made headlines for her unusual take on the carnivore diet, which involved consuming raw liver and other uncooked animal organs.

Her aim was to boost fertility and improve overall health.
She reported experiencing increased energy and feeling good during the experiment, though her version is particularly extreme and risky.

Other Notable Figures

Lex Fridman: The computer scientist and podcaster has expressed his preference for the carnivore diet, stating that he feels his best when eating only meat.
Shawn Baker: A former orthopedic surgeon and champion indoor rower, Baker is a prominent advocate for the diet and a central figure in the carnivore community, having appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast to promote the lifestyle.

The Carnivore Diet: Potential Benefits vs. Significant Risks

While celebrity endorsements often focus on a diet's perceived benefits, it is crucial to understand the scientific and medical perspectives on its safety and efficacy. The carnivore diet operates on the principle of forcing the body into a state of ketosis by eliminating carbohydrates, causing it to burn fat for fuel.


Feature	Anecdotal Benefits Reported by Celebrities	Significant Health Concerns & Expert Consensus
Weight Loss	Many, including Joe Rogan, report rapid initial weight loss, potentially from water weight and high protein satiety.	While calorie restriction can cause weight loss, the long-term sustainability and health implications are debated.
Inflammation	Mikhaila Peterson and others claim relief from autoimmune conditions and joint pain by eliminating plant-based inflammatory triggers.	Medical experts note the lack of robust evidence, with concerns that high saturated fat and processed meats could be pro-inflammatory.
Mental Clarity	Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan mention improved mental sharpness, mood, and reduced anxiety.	This may be linked to ketosis, but experts highlight potential long-term issues and the importance of professional medical evaluation.
Saturated Fat	Proponents believe high animal fat is beneficial and necessary for energy, especially in the absence of carbohydrates.	Mainstream medical guidance links high saturated fat intake with increased 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Fiber Intake	Proponents argue that fiber is unnecessary for digestion and may cause irritation.	The diet's complete lack of fiber is a major concern, potentially leading to chronic constipation and a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Nutrient Deficiencies	Proponents claim all necessary nutrients are in meat, especially organ meat.	The elimination of plant foods can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, despite some nutrients found in animal products.

The Verdict from the Medical Community

Despite the glowing testimonials from celebrities, the carnivore diet remains highly controversial within the medical and scientific communities. The restrictive nature of the diet is a primary concern, as it eliminates entire food groups known for their health benefits, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Experts point to a lack of long-term scientific studies to support the diet's safety and efficacy, particularly regarding its effect on cardiovascular health, kidney function, and cancer risk.

The reliance on anecdote rather than robust clinical evidence is a critical distinction to make. While individuals like Mikhaila Peterson have found personal relief, medical professionals caution that a diet with no fiber, a high intake of saturated fat, and the potential for nutrient deficiencies is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution for the general population. Many suggest that supervised elimination diets with a registered dietitian are a safer way to identify food sensitivities than the radical and unsupported carnivore approach.

Conclusion: Separating Hype from Health

The stories of what celebrities are on the carnivore diet and their personal successes are compelling, driving significant public interest. However, these anecdotes stand in sharp contrast to the overwhelming consensus from the medical establishment, which views the diet as an unsustainable and potentially harmful dietary trend. The appeal of simplicity and the promise of a cure for stubborn ailments are powerful, but the long-term health risks, including increased cholesterol, potential organ stress, and nutrient deficiencies, are serious considerations. Anyone considering the carnivore diet should do so with extreme caution and, most importantly, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Ultimately, while celebrity accounts can be fascinating, they should not replace evidence-based medical advice.

Visit the American Heart Association for information on heart-healthy eating plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan that consists exclusively of animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products, while eliminating all plant-based foods, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds.

Prominent public figures who have publicly adopted or experimented with the carnivore diet include podcaster Joe Rogan, psychologist Jordan Peterson, his daughter Mikhaila Peterson, and reality TV personality Heidi Montag.

Jordan Peterson was influenced by his daughter, Mikhaila, and reported that the diet helped resolve his chronic autoimmune problems and severe depression.

Some individuals, like Joe Rogan, have reported weight loss on the diet due to the high protein and fat content which promotes satiety and metabolic ketosis. However, this is not a universal outcome, and the method has significant health risks.

Medical experts warn of significant risks, including high saturated fat intake linked to heart disease, lack of dietary fiber causing constipation and potential increased cancer risk, and potential deficiencies in crucial nutrients.

Yes, Joe Rogan openly discussed his initial difficulties with the diet, including a period of severe gastrointestinal issues during the transition phase.

While some individuals like Mikhaila Peterson report symptom remission, the medical community emphasizes that these are anecdotes, not scientific proof. There is a lack of robust evidence, and the diet carries significant health risks, so it should not be considered a cure.